TENNIS ATP VALENCIA – Andy Murray forced Tommy Robredo to relive the nightmare of the Shenzhen final lost a few weeks ago after failing to convert 5 match points. The Scottish player won the title in Valencia 3-6, 7-6, 7-6 in 3 hours and 23 minutes of play. With this win Murray climbs to 5th in the ATP Race to London
In the longest final of the ATP season, 3 hours and 23 minutes, Andy Murray won his third title of the year and his 31st overall defeating Tommy Robredo at the end of a long and intense match that saw the Spanish player fail to convert 5 match points, just like in Shenzhen. It was Murray’s 20th match after the US Open in his mad dash to try to qualify for the ATP Finals, a dash that he may well win now that he has added 200 points to his name climbing up to fifth in the Race Rankings.
Tommy Robredo took the first set breaking the Scot’s serve in the seventh game. Murray failed to convert any of the six break points in the first set, so the Spanish player won the opening set 6-3.
In the second set the two players traded breaks early on before going to a tie-breaker to decide the set. In the tie-break Robredo failed to convert a couple of match points and Murray then won the tie-break 9 points to 7.
The Spanish player was the first to break serve in the final set to go ahead 4-3, but Murray came back immediately forcing the match to a third set tie-break. Robredo had match points at 6-5, 7-6 and 8-7, but the British player saved all three before securing the title at the first opportunity with a backhand shot down the line.
At the end of the match both players fell to the ground exhausted before meeting at the net to shake hands. Robredo met the approaching Murray with his middle fingers raised prompting both player to laugh. For the second time Murray denied a title to Robredo despite 5 match points for the Spaniard.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbKXDGjHL5o
“I know it was an incredible match. The tennis at the end and in the second set was high level. I played well at the right moments.I like playing here. It’s a nice place to come this time of year. It’s extremely warm outside which is good for the muscles, the joints and the mind as well. I came to train here earlier in the year. Good food, good weather and good people.” was Murray’s comment after the match.
Robredo seemed to accept defeat gracefully, “It was an amazing match, and you have to enjoy it. Unfortunately someone has to win and it was decided by a few balls. It is what it is. Now I will be a bit out for a couple of hours but I guess that when I finish the season next week, and I watch today’s match against one of the best players we have right now, I will be very happy.”
Murray has now climbed up to fifth in the Race to London rankings where the first 9 players (Nadal will not play) will face each other in the end-of-season showdown. As the final Master 1000 of the season starts four places are still up for grabs
Race to London points, the first nine qualify for the ATP Finals
5. Murray 4.295
6. Nishikori 4.265
7. Cilic 4.150
8. Berdych 4.105
9. Ferrer 3.865
10. Raonic 3.840
11. Dimitrov 3.555
